After about 2 years of talking about this topic, I thought it best to collect some solid data before doing an official blog about it.

LinkedIn is not a social network.

A thing is defined by it’s major attribute. While LinkedIn has aspects of a social network, it is actually a social database.

Hey Donato…But they say they are a social network!

In the early days they were. As the network grew, savvy users realized they needed to grow their networks as large as possible to spread their reach. In polls done over the last year in live webinars, I’ve asked groups ranging from 200-600 how they use LinkedIn. Here are the questions and the responses.

1. I get as many connections as possible and figure out how to contact people directly.

2. I use LinkedIn to as it was meant. Connect with people through a series of connections.

3. I don’t use LinkedIn.

69% of people choose option 1. Last year, it was only 50%. The trend is growing and…